source: Jonas Terrado | mb.com.ph

The Philippine Patriots is not taking the Brunei Barracudas lightly when both teams collide on Saturday in the resumption of the ASEAN Basketball League action at The Arena in San Juan.

In fact, coach Louie Alas is wary of the capabilities of the Barracudas, who not only have two American imports on their roster but ex-PBA cagers Leo Avenido, Don Camaso, and Kiko Adriano.

Adding more concern is that the Barracudas are led by Filipino coach Bong Ramos, who is no stranger to Alas’ defense-oriented system.

"That's our problem right now, they have at least an idea on how we run our offense and defense. It's now imperative for us to play real tough defense,” said Alas.

Patriots, co-owned by Harbour Centre CEO Mikee Romero and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco, are sporting a 2-1 record following their 74-61 rout of the Thai Tigers last Sunday.

Brunei is currently in fourth place with a 1-3 record but nearly pulled off a stunning upset last Sunday when it bowed to the unbeaten Singapore Slingers, 82-80, in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Barracudas’ loss was a stark contrast to their humiliating 87-69 defeat at the hands of the Slingers in their season debut.

"After losing by a huge margin in their first game, they mauled the Malaysians in their next game and they almost beat the Slingers the second time they met," said Alas. "So grabe talaga ang progress nila."

Avenido, the former FEU Tamaraw in the UAAP and Coca-Cola Tiger in the pro ranks, is leading the team in scoring with 17.3 points per game while Michael Pilgrim recorded an average of 16.5 points through four games.

Backstopping Pilgrim in the middle is compatriot Lonnie Jones with 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Alas is hoping that new recruits Nonoy Baclao and Elmer Espiritu could help neutralize Brunei’s big men while hoping that 6-foot-10 import Jason Dixon would avoid his foul-prone ways.

Baclao and Espiritu combined for 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 blocks. Val Acuna, the other newcomer in the team, scored only two points but he’s expected to deliver on Saturday.

"We're going to see a lot more from them," said Romero.


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